Assembly toy and assembly member used in assembly toy

ABSTRACT

An assembly toy includes a first component having cylindrical first connection sections formed at both ends thereof and a second component provided with a plurality of second connection sections which are detachably fitted and attached to the first connection sections. The second connection sections are provided such that end sections in a longitudinal direction are linked and other end sections protrude outward in the radial direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2013/083751 filed on Dec. 17, 2013, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-279558 filed on Dec. 21, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an assembly toy and an assembly member used in an assembly toy.

BACKGROUND

Patent Document 1 discloses a joint of a movable toy which links a first structure body and a second structure body of the movable toy to allow movement therebetween, the joint being provided with a first part detachably attached to the first structure body, a second part detachably attached to the second structure body and supporting the first part to be rotatable, and a rotation restraining mechanism configured so as to be able to restrain the rotation position of the first part with respect to the second part at a freely selected rotation position.

In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a toy assembly set of assembly elements having linking studs and cavities receiving the linking studs through frictional engagement. In the toy assembly set in Patent Document 2, the cavities are configured to come into contact with the linking studs with lower friction. Due to this, it is possible to integrally assemble large and small toy assembly elements with a desired linking force and a desired friction, but it is preferable to accommodate guide means having a guide function therein.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application     Publication No. 2007-50064A -   Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application     Publication (translation of PCT application) No. 2003-508138A

However, in the cited Patent Document 1, it is not possible to fix the joint without the rotation restraining mechanism. That is, there is a problem in that it is not possible to fix the first part and the second part using only the first part and the second part in the invention according to the cited Patent Document 1.

In addition, in the cited Patent Document 1, disassembly of the first part and the second part which form the joint is not considered. Therefore, in the cited Patent Document 1, even when a user desires to disassemble the joint, it is not possible for the user to easily disassemble the joint.

In the cited Patent Document 2, the assembly elements are able to be attached to and detached from each other. However, in the cited Patent Document 2, there is a problem in that it is not possible to move the assembly elements after assembling the components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the present invention have been made in consideration of these circumstances and provide an assembly toy which can be assembled in an easily detachable manner using only two types of components and in which the positional relationship of the components relative to each other can be changed after assembling the components, and an assembly member used in an assembly toy.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to an assembly toy including a first component having cylindrical first connection sections formed at both ends thereof, and a second component provided with a plurality of second connection sections configured to detachably fit and attach to the first connection sections. In such an assembly toy, the plurality of second connection sections are provided such that one end section in the longitudinal direction is linked and the other end sections protrude in respective different directions. Due to this, assembly is possible in an easily detachable manner using only two types of components and the positional relationship of the components relative to each other can be changed after assembling the components.

Here, the first component may be formed by winding a wire material in a spiral shape. Due to this, it is easy to attach and detach the first component and the second component.

Here, the second connection sections are formed by bending a wire material in an approximate U shape in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of the second connection sections may be linked by linking at least one end out of both ends of the wire material which is bent in the approximate U shape. Due to this, it is possible to change the width of the second connection sections. Accordingly, it is easy to attach and detach the first component and the second component.

Here, the second component may be provided with the second connection sections such that the second connection sections adjacent to each other are orthogonal to each other. Due to this, the user is able to make assembly toys with various shapes.

Here, an internal diameter of the first connection sections may be formed to be not greater than 0.2 mm greater than a width of the second connection sections. Due to this, it is easy to attach and detach the first component and the second component, and it is possible to set the second component not to spontaneously fall off the first component.

Furthermore, an assembly member used in an assembly toy includes at least one of a cylindrical first connection section and a plurality of second connection sections provided such that one end section in a longitudinal direction is linked and the other end sections protrude in respective different directions. In such an assembly member, the assembly toy is formed by fitting the second connection sections to the first connection sections, and the assembly member is detached from the assembly toy by detaching fittings between the first connection sections and the second connection sections.

One or more embodiments of the present invention allows a toy to be assembled in an easily detachable manner using only two types of components and the positional relationship of the components relative to each other can be changed after assembling the components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly toy 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is an overall view of a spring component, and FIG. 2B is a partially enlarged view of the spring component.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of an attachment component.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating an assembly state of the spring component and the attachment component; FIG. 4A is an overall view, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are views illustrating modified examples of the spring component.

FIGS. 6A to 6L are views illustrating modified examples of the attachment component.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are views illustrating another forms of the attachment component.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating still another form of the attachment component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Below, description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly toy 1. The assembly toy 1 is formed by a spring component 11 and an attachment component 12. In the present embodiment, the assembly toy 1 is assembled to be a regular dodecahedron in which the shape of the faces is a regular pentagon.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of the spring component 11. FIG. 2A is an overall view, and FIG. 2B is a partially enlarged view of a connection section 11 a which is a portion connecting with the attachment component 12.

The spring component 11 is a coil spring formed by winding a wire material in a spiral shape. For example, it is possible to use metals such as stainless steel (SUS 304) as the wire material. For explanation purposes, portions connecting with the attachment component 12 at both ends of the spring component 11 are defined as the connection sections 11 a, and a portion between the two connection sections 11 a is defined as a linking section 11 b.

The connection sections 11 a are provided at both ends of the spring component 11 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The attachment component 12 is fitted inside the connection section 11 a. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the connection section 11 a is formed such that the diameter (internal diameter and external diameter) of a front end section 11 c on an outside end is less than the diameter (internal diameter and external diameter) of a fitting section 11 d on an end on the linking section 11 b side. Note that the linking section 11 b on the left is omitted in FIG. 2B.

In addition, in order to improve the ease of assembly, the connection section 11 a is formed with the front end section 12 c and the fitting section 11 d being approximately 3 coils and a linking section between the front end section 12 c and the fitting section 11 d being approximately 1.5 coils. The linking section between the front end section 12 c and the fitting section 11 d has a tapered shape such that the front end section 12 c and the fitting section 11 d are smoothly linked.

In the present embodiment, regarding the linking section 11 b, the connection sections 11 a and the linking section 11 b form an integrated coil spring. Note that as long as the linking section 11 b connects the connection sections 11 a at both ends of the spring component 11, the shape of the linking section 11 b is not limited to a coil spring.

FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view illustrating the attachment component 12.

The attachment component 12 has a plurality of connection sections 12 a. In the present embodiment, the attachment component 12 has three connection sections 12 a linked therein. In the present embodiment, the three connection sections 12 a are integrally formed of one piece of wire material.

The connection sections 12 a are formed in a thin and long shape by bending the wire material in an approximate U shape. One end section in the longitudinal direction of the connection section 12 a is linked with another connection section 12 a. In the present embodiment, at least one of both ends of the wire material which is bent in an approximate U shape is linked with at least one of both ends of the wire material of another connection section 12 a.

In the attachment component 12, the connection sections 12 a adjacent to each other are orthogonal to each other. In addition, the other end sections in the longitudinal direction of the connection section 12 a which is not linked with the other connection section 12 a protrudes outward in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, in the three connection sections 12 a, front ends of curved portions which are portions at the bottom of the U of the approximate U shape of the connection sections 12 a are provided so as to protrude in the three-axis directions (directions equivalent to an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis), respectively.

Next, description will be given of a method for creating the assembly toy 1 by assembling the spring components 11 and the attachment components 12 and disassembling the assembly toy 1 into the spring components 11 and the attachment components 12.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views illustrating an assembled state of one spring component 11 and one attachment component 12; FIG. 4A is an overall view, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view of the assembled portion.

The connection section 12 a of the attachment component 12 is inserted inside the connection section 11 a of the spring component 11. The spring component 11 has a coil shape and is able to change shape in the radial direction and the axial direction. Accordingly, the user is able to easily insert the connection section 12 a into the connection section 11 a.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in a state in which the connection section 12 a is completely inserted into the connection section 11 a, the entire connection section 12 a is fitted inside the connection section 11 a. Due to this, the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12 are assembled. Since the front end section 11 c is thinner than the fitting section 11 d, it is possible to prevent the attachment component 12 from coming off the spring component 11.

The spring component 11 has a coil shape and is able to change shape in the radial direction and the axial direction. Therefore, even when force is applied to the attachment component 12 after the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12 are assembled, it is possible to prevent the attachment component 12 from coming off the spring component 11.

When detaching the attachment component 12 from the spring component 11, it is sufficient to pull the connection section 12 a off from the connection section 11 a.

In order for the attachment component 12 not to spontaneously come off the spring component 11 after assembling the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12 and in order to make it possible to easily detach the attachment component 12 from the spring component 11, the connection section 11 a and the connection section 12 a are made with the dimensions shown in the table below. Note that the reference numerals in the table correspond to the reference numerals in FIG. 4B.

TABLE 1 Spring component 11 Attachment Internal diam- Internal diam- component Wire eter x of front eter y of fit- 12 diameter end section 11c ting section 11d Width z φ0.5 mm Minimum 2.055 mm  2.25 mm  2.25 mm value Maximum 2.155 mm  2.45 mm  value φ1.2 mm Minimum 5.1 mm 5.3 mm 5.25 mm value Maximum 5.2 mm 5.5 mm value

In a case in which the internal diameter x of the front end section 11 c is less than 2.1 mm when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, it is difficult to insert the connection section 12 a into the connection section 11 a and the ease of assembly decreases. In addition, in a case in which the internal diameter x of the front end section 11 c is greater than 2.2 mm when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, the attachment component 12 easily comes off the spring component 11. Accordingly, in a case in which the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, it is necessary for the internal diameter x of the front end section 11 c to be 2.1 mm or greater and 2.25 mm or less. For the same reason, in a case in which the width z of the connection section 12 a is 5.25 mm, it is necessary for the internal diameter x of the front end section 11 c to be 5.1 mm or greater and 5.2 mm or less.

In a case in which the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d is greater than 2.45 mm when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, there is a possibility that the attachment component 12 will spontaneously come off the spring component 11. Accordingly, in a case in which the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, it is necessary for the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d to be 2.45 mm or less. For the same reason, in a case in which the width z of the connection section 12 a is 5.25 mm, it is necessary for the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d to be 5.5 mm or less. Following from the above, it is desirable that the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d be formed to be not greater than 0.2 mm greater than the width z of the connection section 12 a.

Note that since the connection section 11 a is a coil spring, even in a case in which the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d is less than 2.25 mm when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm, or in which the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d is less than 5.3 mm when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 5.25 mm, the ease of assembly in a case of inserting the connection section 12 a into the connection section 11 a does not decrease. However, the appearance after assembly is diminished. Accordingly, it is desirable for the internal diameter y of the fitting section 11 d to be 2.25 mm or greater when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 2.25 mm and to be 5.3 mm or greater when the width z of the connection section 12 a is 5.25 mm.

Note that the internal diameter of the front end section 11 c is less than the width of the connection section 12 a. However, since the spring component 11 is a coil spring, the shape thereof can change in the radial direction, and since the connection section 12 a is formed by a process of bending a wire material, the shape thereof can change in the width direction. Thus, it is easy to assemble the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12.

Since the inside of the connection section 11 a is formed in an approximately cylindrical shape (a cylindrical shape tapered toward the end section) and the connection section 12 a is formed by two wires, in a state in which the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12 are assembled, it is possible for the attachment component 12 to rotate in the direction of the spring component 11. Due to this, the positional relationship of the spring component 11 and the connection section 12 a of the attachment component 12, which is not inserted into the connection section 11 a, relative to each other can be changed. Since it is also possible to attach the spring component 11 to the connection section 12 a which is not inserted into the connection section 11 a in FIG. 4A, the positional relationship between a plurality of the spring components 11 can be changed by changing the positional relationship of the spring component 11 and the attachment component 12 relative to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the assembly of the assembly toy 1. For this reason, the user is able to use their imagination and it is possible to stimulate the interest of the user.

The attachment component 12 is formed using a wire material. Accordingly, an angle formed by the connection sections 12 a which are adjacent to each other is substantially 90°; however, it is possible to optionally change the shape of the connection section between the connection sections 12 a adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the user is able to create assembly toys with various shapes by changing the angle formed between the connection sections 12 a adjacent to each other according to the state of the assembly toy.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to assemble an assembly toy in an easily detachable manner using only two types of components, which are spring component and assembly components.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since it is possible to make the width of an attachment component greater than the internal diameter of a spring component by forming the spring component of coil springs, it is possible to make attachment components easy to assemble and hard to come off.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the positional relationship of the components relative to each other can be changed after assembling the components.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the assembly toy is made using spring components, it is possible to impart characteristics to the shape of the complete assembly toy which other assembly toys do not have.

Note that in the present embodiment, the spring component 11 in which an integrated coil spring is formed by the connection sections 11 a and the linking section 11 b is used; however, it is sufficient if the connection sections 11 a are provided at both ends of the spring component 11. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate modified examples of a spring member. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, it is also possible to adopt a spring component 11A in which the connection sections 11 a at both ends are connected by a linking section wound in a moderate spiral shape. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, it is also possible to adopt a spring component 11B in which the connection sections 11 a at both ends are connected by a linear linking section.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the connection sections 11 a are provided at both ends of the spring component 11; however, the spring component 11 may be provided with the connection section 11 a at one end of a spring member and the plurality of connection sections 12 a at the other end.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the spring component 11 (the connection section 11 a) formed as a coil spring is used; however, it is also possible to use a cylindrical component such as a pipe instead of the spring component. It is possible to create an assembly toy by attaching the connection sections 12 a (the attachment component 12) to a cylindrical member. However, since it is not possible to change the shape of a cylindrical member which is not formed of coil springs in the radial direction and the axial direction, it is not possible to obtain the effects that attaching and detaching are easy and that the attachment member does not spontaneously come off. Therefore, it is desirable to form a component into which an attachment component is inserted (the component may be just an attachment section into which the attachment component is inserted) of coil springs.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the connection section 12 a in which a wire material is bent in an approximate U shape is used; however, the shape of the connection section 12 a is not limited thereto. FIGS. 6A to 6L illustrate modified examples of the shape of the connection section 12 a. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6L, it is possible to use connection sections 121 a to 121 1 with various shapes.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the attachment component 12 in which three connection sections 12 a are linked is used; however, the number of the connection sections 12 a connected to the attachment component 12 is not limited to three. FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate modified examples in which the number of the connection sections 12 a of the attachment component 12 is different. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, an attachment component 12A in which two connection sections 12 a are linked may be used (+y and +z directions). As illustrated in FIG. 7B, an attachment component 12B in which four connection sections 12 a are linked may be used (+x, +y, +z, and −z directions). As illustrated in FIG. 7C, an attachment component 12C in which six connection sections 12 a are linked may be used (+x, −x, +y, −y, +z, and −z directions).

In addition, the plurality of connection sections 12 a of the attachment components 12A, 12B, and 12C are linked in the same manner as the attachment component 12 such that the connection sections 12 a adjacent to each other are orthogonal to each other; however, the angle between the connection sections 12 a adjacent to each other are not limited to 90°.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the attachment component 12 in which the connection sections 12 a formed by a wire material being bent in an approximate U shape are linked is used; however, the form of the attachment component 12 is not limited thereto. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an attachment component 12D in which a wire material (or a rod material) is used as the connection section 12 b as is. The attachment component 12D is formed by bending a wire material by approximately 90°. It is desirable that a connection section 12 b be processed such that the front end is thin so as to be easily inserted into the connection section 11 a.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the attachment component 12 is formed using a wire material; however, the material which forms the attachment component 12 is not limited to a wire material (or a rod material). For example, an attachment component may be formed by linking a plurality of connection sections in which a board material of metal or plastic is formed into an approximate U shape.

Embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings; however, specific configurations are not limited to the embodiments, and changes in the design or the like are also included in a range which does not depart from the gist of the invention.

REFERENCE NUMBER

-   1 Assembly toy -   11 Spring component -   11 a Connection section -   11 b Linking section -   12 Attachment component -   12 a Connection section 

1. An assembly toy comprising: a first component including cylindrical first connection sections formed at both ends thereof; and a second component configured with a plurality of second connection sections, the second connection sections being configured to detachably fit and attach to the first connection sections; the plurality of second connection sections configured such that end sections in a longitudinal direction are linked and other end sections protrude in respective different directions.
 2. The assembly toy according to claim 1, wherein the first component is formed by winding a wire material in a spiral shape.
 3. The assembly toy according to claim 1, wherein the second connection sections are formed by bending a wire material in an approximate U shape in the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of second connection sections are linked by linking at least one end out of both ends of the wire material which is bent in the approximate U shape.
 4. The assembly toy according to claim 1, wherein the second component is configured with the second connection sections such that the second connection sections adjacent to each other are orthogonal to each other.
 5. The assembly toy according to claim 3, wherein an internal diameter of the first connection sections is formed to be not greater than 0.2 mm greater than a width of the second connection sections.
 6. An assembly member of an assembly toy, the assembly member comprising: at least one of a cylindrical first connection sections and a plurality of second connection sections configured such that end sections in a longitudinal direction are linked and other end sections protrude in respective different directions; wherein the assembly toy is formed by fitting the second connection sections to the first connection sections, and the assembly member is detached from the assembly toy by detaching fittings between the first connection sections and the second connection sections. 